This means that dental fillings are in danger of becoming a private service. Further talks were originally scheduled for November 14th. However, ÖGK chairman Andreas Huss stated that established dentists with a health insurance contract would be paid a maximum of ten percent more in fees for the amalgam substitute, the dental association criticized. “Since this offer is unacceptable for Austrian dentists for economic reasons, the dental association’s negotiators decided to break off the negotiations due to the senselessness associated with Huss’ statements,” it said in a release on Friday.
If the dentists had followed the ÖGK’s suggestion, it would have led to massive losses of income for the practicing dentists. As a result, there would have been a further thinning out of comprehensive dental care provided by dentists with health insurance contracts, warned the Dental Association.
This means that from January 1, 2025, the 7.4 million people insured with the ÖGK will initially have to pay privately for their fillings to the treating dentists and then submit their invoice to the ÖGK in order to have part of the invoice amount returned. The most cost-effective alternative to the then banned amalgam is glass ionomer cement, which has been used for children and pregnant women since 2018. As before, composite fillings, inlays made of plastic, ceramic or gold are also offered.
“Provision of the insured is at risk”
In a broadcast, the ÖGK appealed to the Dental Association to assume its responsibility and return to the negotiating table. She was “surprised” to note the cancellation of the meeting next week. “The unprofessional approach of the professional association puts the care of the insured at risk,” the health insurance fund passed the ball back to the dental association in a broadcast.
The EU-wide ban on amalgam fillings from January requires alternative dental fillings. To this end, the ÖGK is still prepared to invest more money in order to provide its insured persons with an optimal supply of high-quality materials, the health insurance company emphasized. This is happening, for example, in the ÖGK dental health centers, which have been working with the amalgam alternative Alkasite for three years. The dental association refused to discuss this high-quality option.
Many services provided by statutory health insurance dentists, such as the extraction of teeth or the repair of prostheses, are insufficient or, such as the all-important consultation with the patient, are not paid for by the health insurance company at all, the dental association informed. This means that the majority of dentists have been forced to cross-subsidize their health insurance benefits with private services provided for years. For many dentists, this is the reason for suspending their health insurance contract or not signing a health insurance contract.
‘,’pinpoll-264438’, null, null, ‘C0004’);
});
**Interview with Dr. Maria Schneider, President of the Austrian Dental Association**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Schneider. Recently, there’s been significant tension between the ÖGK and the Dental Association regarding the payment structure for dental fillings. Can you give us an overview of the current situation?
**Dr. Schneider:** Thank you for having me. The situation is quite alarming. The ÖGK’s proposal to increase fees for the amalgam substitute by only 10% is simply not sustainable for many dentists. This offer is economically unviable, which is why we decided to break off negotiations.
**Editor:** So, what does this mean for patients with ÖGK insurance beginning in January 2025?
**Dr. Schneider:** Starting from that date, 7.4 million insured individuals will have to pay out-of-pocket for their fillings. They will then need to submit their receipts to the ÖGK for reimbursement, but this process can be cumbersome. We anticipate that this change could discourage patients from seeking necessary dental care.
**Editor:** The Dental Association warns of a thinning out of comprehensive dental care. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Schneider:** Certainly. If dentists struggle financially due to inadequate reimbursement rates, many may choose to stop accepting health insurance altogether. This could significantly reduce access to quality dental care for patients who rely on insurance, leaving many unable to afford necessary treatments.
**Editor:** What alternatives do you foresee for patients who can’t afford dental fillings?
**Dr. Schneider:** The two main alternatives are glass ionomer cement and composite fillings. Glass ionomer has been a standard for children and pregnant women, but the choice for adult patients will likely be limited, which could impact the quality of care they receive.
**Editor:** How is the ÖGK responding to the Dental Association’s criticism?
**Dr. Schneider:** They have expressed surprise at our rejection of their proposal and urged us to return to negotiations. However, our stance is clear: we cannot accept a deal that jeopardizes the sustainability of dental practices and, ultimately, patient care.
**Editor:** What is the path forward for both the Dental Association and the ÖGK?
**Dr. Schneider:** We hope that the ÖGK will reconsider and engage in meaningful negotiations that acknowledge the economic realities faced by dentists. Our primary goal is to ensure that all patients in Austria can access the dental care they need without financial hardship.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Schneider. We hope for a resolution that benefits both dentists and patients.
**Dr. Schneider:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a positive outcome.
